Pilots are more likely to develop skin cancer

Skin cancer risk dramatically increased for pilots and crew

09/04/2014

Occupational disease skin cancer? Pilots and flight attendants are exposed in their profession to increased radiation exposure, which significantly increases the risk of skin cancer, according to a recent study, published on Wednesday in the journal „Journal of the American Medical Association Dermatology“ has been published.

The international research team led by Martina Sanlorenzo from the University of California at San Francisco has evaluated data from 19 studies with a total of 266,431 participants in the comparative study. They looked for possible connections between the occurrence of skin cancer and occupation above the clouds. The result was surprisingly clear. Both the crew and the pilots were more than twice as likely to be at skin cancer risk as the general population.

Increased UV radiation exposure above the clouds
The results of the current study make it clear that skin cancer is a not inconsiderable occupational risk among flight attendants and pilots. According to the researchers, this is "mainly due to the increased UV radiation exposure". Ultraviolet radiation, which "counts as a major risk factor for the development of skin cancer, reaches the interior of the aircraft to a significantly greater extent than previously thought, which is probably due to the reflection effect of the clouds," the statement of the scientists. Further research into the mechanisms leading to increased skin cancer risk and optimal occupational safety are now required.

Preventive measures required to protect against skin cancer
Although the cabin crew and the pilots showed slight differences in the risk of skin cancer in the comparative study, both occupations showed a dramatic increase in disease. Thus, pilots were 2.22 times more likely than the average total population. Fatal skin cancers were 1.83 times more common. The on-board staff were 2.09 times more likely than the general population, but the risk of fatal melanoma was much less dramatic. Overall, however, the comparative study leaves no doubt that the occupation above the clouds increases the probability of skin cancer. Therefore, appropriate preventive measures should be taken promptly so as not to expose pilots and crew to unnecessary risks. (Fp)